Laboratory Plasticware

Compact, portable and light-weight

Rugged design and crack resistance

Withstand high and low temperature for prolonged time

Easy to clean, fill and use 

Laboratory plasticware refers to a variety of tools and equipment made from different types of plastic used in laboratories for scientific experiments, measurements, and procedures. Plasticware offers several advantages over glassware, including durability, lower cost, and resistance to breakage. Here is an overview of common laboratory plasticware and their uses:

Types of Laboratory Plasticware

1. Beakers:

   • Made of polypropylene or polystyrene.
   • Used for mixing, stirring, and heating chemicals.

2. Flasks:

   • Erlenmeyer Flasks: Conical shape, made from polypropylene or polycarbonate.
   • Volumetric Flasks: Made from polypropylene for preparing precise standard solutions.

3. Test Tubes:

   • Made from polystyrene, polypropylene, or polyethylene.
   • Used for holding, mixing, and heating small quantities of liquids.

4. Pipettes:

   • Transfer Pipettes: Made from polyethylene, used for transferring liquids.
   • Graduated Pipettes: Made from polystyrene or polypropylene, used for measuring and transferring precise volumes.

5. Burettes:

   • Made from polypropylene or other durable plastics.
   • Used in titration for delivering precise volumes of a liquid reagent.

6. Graduated Cylinders:

   • Made from polypropylene or polymethylpentene.
   • Used for measuring precise volumes of liquids.

7. Petri Dishes:

   • Made from polystyrene or polypropylene.
   • Used for culturing microorganisms.

8. Funnels:

   • Made from polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene.
   • Used with filter paper for filtration or for transferring liquids.

9. Centrifuge Tubes:

   • Made from polypropylene or polycarbonate.
   • Used in centrifugation to separate components in a mixture.

10. Microplates:

    • Made from polystyrene or polypropylene.
    • Used for high-throughput screening, assays, and culturing cells.

11. Cryovials:

    • Made from polypropylene.
    • Used for storing biological samples at very low temperatures.

12. Pipette Tips:

    • Made from polypropylene.
    • Used with micropipettes for precise liquid handling.

Properties and Advantages

• Durability: Resistant to breaking and shattering, making them safer to handle.
• Chemical Resistance: Certain plastics are resistant to a wide range of chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than glassware.
• Lightweight: Easier to handle and transport.
• Autoclavable: Many types of plasticware can be sterilized by autoclaving.

Maintenance and Safety

• Cleaning: Proper cleaning with detergents and thorough rinsing is essential to prevent contamination. Some plasticware can be autoclaved for sterilization.
• Handling: While more durable than glass, plasticware should still be handled with care to avoid scratching or chemical degradation.
• Storage: Store plasticware in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight to prevent degradation.

Applications

• Chemical Analysis: Used for various types of chemical testing and experiments.
• Biological Studies: Ideal for microbiology, cell culture, and molecular biology applications.
• Educational Laboratories: Widely used in schools and universities for safety and cost reasons.
• Clinical and Medical Labs: Used in diagnostic testing, sample storage, and other medical procedures.